The entertainment and creative cluster is one of Ontario’s fastest growing sectors, outpacing overall provincial growth. Since 2000, it has created over 48,000 net new jobs, an increase of 30 per cent compared to 15 per cent for the overall economy. Bigger than each of the mining, agriculture and forestry, and energy sectors, the creative industries contribute over $12.4 billion and 206,000 jobs each year to the province’s economy.

Ontario’s Film and Television industry contributed a record-breaking $3.15 billion to Ontario’s economy in 2022, creating 45,891 high-value full-time equivalent direct and spin-off jobs for Ontarians.

Toronto is a major centre for film productions in North America and with strong support and programs provided by the provincial government areas such as South Simcoe located just north of Toronto are well positioned to be involved in combined shoots. 

Since 2000, South Simcoe has seen a number of productions come to our area, including parts of Tottenham and Innisfil used in the TV Series “Murdoch Mysteries”, Alliston’s Riverdale Park and a Beeton home portrayed in “Kardia” a film entered at the Cannes Film Festival, community centres, concessions roads and homes/cottages in Innisfil and Adjala-Tosorontio have been used for numerous commercials and feature films, and the South Simcoe Railway continues to be the area’s most popular site for films and TV shows. The economic spin-off in South Simcoe from the industry ranges from $500 to $2500 per day based on results captured in satisfaction surveys with location scouts. 

ABOUT ONTARIO’S FILM AND TELEVISION INDUSTRY

• Ontario is one of the leading jurisdictions for Film and Television production around the globe, typically hosting over 300 productions annually.
• There is currently 3.8 million square feet of stage space in Ontario. An additional 2.4 million square feet is scheduled to be completed over the next few years in Toronto, the surrounding areas and Northern Ontario – an over 60% increase to what is currently available.
• Film and Television production is active throughout the province. Many productions are filmed in more than one jurisdiction in Ontario, creating jobs and economic impact for local suppliers, vendors and talent.
• Jobs created by Film and Television production in the province include: technicians (such as lighting, make-up, carpenters, set designers, set dressers and wardrobe experts), production managers and coordinators, location managers, craft services, post-production experts, accountants, performers and drivers. The average fulltime salary for a job within the industry in Canada is $77,094.
• Ontario’s Film industry is committed to environmentally sustainable action through the Ontario Green Screen (OGS) Initiative, a public/private partnership of 30 industry and government partners. OGS provides the tools, education and community necessary to make real sustainable change.

Ontario Creates